e. "However, we'd better get on, or we won't catch the others
until they've finished dinner."

Emile started the dogs, and when they had toiled up the ascent they saw
the men with the bob-sled far ahead on the great white plain.

"We may not have another chance for a private talk until we reach the
settlement," Blake said. "What are you going to do about the
petroleum?"

"I'll come back and prospect the muskeg as soon as the frost goes,"
Harding answered promptly.

"It will cost a good deal to do that thoroughly. We must hire
transport for a full supply of all the tools and food we are likely to
need; one experience of the kind we've had this trip is enough. How
are you going to get the money?"

"I'm not going to the city men for it until our position's secure. The
thing must be kept quiet until we're ready to put it on the market."

"You were doubtful about taking me for a partner once," Benson
interposed. "I don't know that I could blame you; but now I mean to do
all I can to make the scheme successful, and I don't think you'll have
as much reason for being afraid that I might fail you."

"Call it a deal," said Harding. "You're the man we want."

"I ought to be back before you start," Blake said; "and if I can raise
any money in England I'll send it over. You're satisfied that this is
a project I can recommend to my friends?"

"I believe it's such a chance as few people ever get," Harding answered
in a tone of firm conviction.

"Then we'll see what can be done. It won't be your fault if the
venture fails."

Harding smiled.

"There's hard work and perhaps some trouble ahead, but you won't regret
you faced it. You'll be a rich man in another year or two!"

Blake smiled at his enthusiasm.

"Emile and the dogs are leaving us behind," he said. "We'll have to
hustle!"

CHAPTER XXII

THE GIRL AND THE MAN

It was a clear winter afternoon and the sunshine that entered a window
of the big hall at Hazlehurst fell upon Millicent as she sat in one of
the recesses reading a book. Blake thought she looked very beautiful.
As she raised her eyes and caught sight of him she started, and,
dropping the book, she rose with a tingle of heightened color, while
Blake felt his heart beat fast. Thrown off her guard as she had been,
he caught the gladness in her eyes before she could hide it.

"You are surprised at my turning up?" he asked, holding her hand an
unnecessarily long time and smiling into h